Almenara golf course has only one theoretical defect: it is surrounded by courses of an incomparable status that tend to overshadow any others. On the other hand, however, this can be a virtue, as it is difficult to find another golf destination that brings together so many courses of such a high category.
The renovated 5-star SO Almenara hotel, part of the prestigious Accor family of hotels, is the perfect luxury enclave to enjoy a week of excellent golf within a 15-kilometre radius, home to none other than the Valderrama, La Reserva and Sotogrande clubs, two courses at San Roque (highlighted by the recently renovated Old Course), La Cañada and two courses at La Hacienda Alcaidesa, whose Links layout is being renovated and is due to re-open in June. In addition, another course is planned, near Valderrama, which aims to compete in design quality with all these rivals.
Almenara has undergone a major reform of its facilities and the course, and the result is a magnificent complex that will impress all who travel to the area to rediscover its appeal. Only a great master like Manolo Piñero could undertake this superb renovation of the exceptional original design by Dave Thomas, both highlighting its benefits and achieving a memorable makeover.
As soon as you arrive, it is difficult to recognise the resort. It is accessed from the entrance to a large roundabout (where there is a bag drop area), which gives access to an underground car park. To the right of the roundabout is the modern hotel reception, and to the left a new cafetería and pro shop area near the first tee, with an impressive terrace overlooking the valley and offering stunning sea views.
Next to the bag drop area, and before reaching the pro shop (which shares space with the cafetería) are the entrances to modern changing rooms, absolutely appropriate for a commercially focused course, and a parking area for impeccable state-of-the-art buggies.
The client treatment and service is excellent, in tune with the 5-star environment in which we find ourselves.
The facilities of the renovated hotel are comprehensive, with an impressive spa area and a magnificent gym near the 9th hole green. There are several high-level dining options, including a barbecue area next to the large infinity pool. It is open to visitors not staying at the hotel and is the ideal place to relax for non-player companions of those who are enjoying the fantastic new golf layout at Almenara – and as a meeting point at the end of the round.
The extent of Almenara’s renovation is also showcased on the course which, for the time being, is limited to the nine-hole Los Pinos layout and the nine holes of Los Lagos, as Los Alcornoques is still undergoing renovation. That means we can currently enjoy 18 of the course’s 27 holes in total.
The 1st and 9th holes at Los Pinos have been slightly shortened to accommodate the new clubhouse, gym facilities and treatment cabins.
The entire course meanders through abundant and mature vegetation. From some holes you can see houses (more like mansions) but they are perfectly integrated and in no way affect your game. The most common round is to start at Los Pinos, then continue through Los Lagos.
The first three holes at Los Pinos are downhill and contribute to a stimulating start to the round, with relatively easy playing conditions ensuring that everything flows fluidly. The best advice is to play these holes – sequence par-5, par-4 and par-4 – towards the right, as the slopes will take the ball to the centre of the fairways.
The 4th is a short par-3 with an undulating green defended on the left by a bunker. The 5th is a short par-4 on which you should, once again, aim to the right.
The 6th is the course’s signature hole, and it requires a good tee shot to get past the dog-leg right, before facing a steep green that will require a club or two more than normally needed.
The 7th is a slightly uphill par-3 with bunkers to the right; while the 8th is a par-5 with a dog-leg left where, after a good tee shot, big-hitters can reach the green in two.
The 9th has been reduced to par-3, uphill and with the hotel in the background. A great hole to complete this first loop.
We then cross over between the hotel and clubhouse to face the Los Lagos course, where water, as expected, is prominent.
The water first appears on the 3rd, to the right of the hole. Before that we begin this nine with a par-4 featuring a dog-leg left and downhill, and a good par-3 of medium distance.
The 4th is the first par-5, with water to the right, reachable in two for big-hitters and with an attractive balance between risk and reward.
The 5th is an exceptional hole, with a pronounced dog-leg right, at first downhill and finishing with a second section uphill. From the tee you can see the green and it seems within range, but with the great risk of hitting into water to the right, and there is also a valley with abundant vegetation beneath the ball’s projected flight.
The 6th provides the same impression and temptation, but it is best to play short with a wood or hybrid to the left before attacking the green with a short approach shot.
The 7th is an attractive par-3 where you need to hit over a lake at the front that is intimidating but offers a sufficiently large landing area if your approach is not long enough to reach the elevated green.
The 8th is another fairly easy par-5 reachable in two for big-hitters, with the second (and perhaps third) an uphill shot to the green, before finishing off with another par-4, also uphill but short, so that with an aggressive approach you can conclude your round with some final reward.
The day has passed quickly. The holes are quite varied, and each one provides a high-quality and stimulating challenge.
Now we are looking forward to playing a round at Los Alcornoques once the reform is finished, as we expect it to be at the same high level as these first two layouts – which have provided us with a wonderful experience and a first-class day of golfing enjoyment. The course has been greatly enhanced and is a surefire recommendation for players of all levels.
By Luis Navarro Álvarez
